The Pyae Aung Hein and Hein Mitter coal-mining companies have both agreed
to halt operations at their sites following a protest by some
4,000 residents in Mong
Kung on April 11.

Coal mining site in Mong Kung

Sao Ekka Sina, a Buddhist monk who was one of the demonstration organizers,
said that representatives of both firms agreed to a cessation in coal mining at
the site after meeting with the representatives of the people of Mong Kung
Township, Loilem district in southern Shan State two days after the
demonstration.

“Nang Harn and Sai Htun, the representatives
from the companies, met with us on April 13,” he said. “There were about 50
people, including monks, village headmen, local authorities and MPs attended
the meeting. The company representatives said they would move out within a
month.

“They said they would end their
operations and never come back,” he said. “However, if they continue to mine,
we will continue to protest. In saying that, I don’t think they will come
back.”

Hein Mitter Co., Ltd signboard in Mong Kung

Sai Seng Murng, a Lower House MP from the Shan Nationalities League for
Democracy (SNLD) representing Mong Kung Township, said that he always stood alongside
the voice of the local people.

“I urge every group, including the government, CSOs [civil society
organizations] and media, to keepits eyes focused on the
mining operations in Mong Kung,” he said. “As for the monks and Mong Kung
residents, we strongly oppose this project.”

Local
protesters against the site have maintained that the coal-mining operations
would cause grave environmental destruction in Mong Kung. They said that some
2,000 acres of land, including conifer forests, mountains and farmland, would be
severely damaged.

The Pyae Aung
Hein and Hein Mitter companies were granted permission by the central
government in Naypyidaw to launch coal-mining projects in Mong Kung in 2014. But
the mines were suspended after growing opposition from local residents.

Earlier this year, coal-mining operations restarted, leading to hundreds of people taking
to the streets.